What is the history and significance of Calton Hill?

Calton Hill is a prominent hill in central Edinburgh, Scotland, known for its sweeping views, government headquarters, and numerous historic monuments. Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features architectural landmarks like the National Monument and the Nelson Monument, as well as the historic Old Calton Burial Ground. The hill also serves as the base of operations for the Scottish Government at St Andrew's House.

What we know

• Calton Hill is located in central Edinburgh beyond the east end of Princes Street and is included in the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site. [2]
• The steep southern slope of Calton Hill hosts St Andrew's House, the headquarters of the Scottish Government. [2]
• The Nelson Monument was built on top of Calton Hill between 1807 and 1816 to commemorate Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson's victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar. [3]
• The Old Calton Burial Ground, opened in 1718 on Calton Hill, contains the graves of notable historical figures such as philosopher David Hume. [5]

Where to go next

• whereWhat is inside St Andrew's House on Calton Hill?
• how it workedHow does the Nelson Monument time ball function?
• how we knowWho is buried in the Old Calton Burial Ground?
• the bigger pictureWhat monuments are located in Edinburgh?
• what caused itHow did Waterloo Place alter the Old Calton Burial Ground?
• an unexpected connectionHow is a monument on Calton Hill linked to Edinburgh Castle?The mechanized time ball added to the Nelson Monument in 1852 is synchronized directly with the firing of the One O'Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle.

Sources

• [1]Calton Hill (Wikidata Q1199959) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Calton Hill · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Nelson Monument, Edinburgh · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Mote Hill · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Old Calton Burial Ground · CC BY-SA 4.0